Airway

CPD modules: Airway

You are free to download, print and study the modules. Once you have completed your reading come back and take the multichoice test. If you obtain a pass mark of over 80% you will have the option of printing out a certificate of completion.

Difficult and failed intubation in obstetrics

Obstetric general anaesthesia is associated with a number of deleterious effects and it has long been recognised that airway management can be challenging and tracheal intubation more likely to fail. This module covers whys, hows and what to do when it goes wrong.Length of Study: 75 minDifficulty:Medium

Tracheostomy fundamentals

Tracheostomies are becoming more common and the consequences of a misplaced tube can be serious so a good understanding of them is essential.Length of Study: 90 minDifficulty: Medium

COPD and Anaesthesia

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a commonly encountered respiratory disorder. Patients with COPD pose a challenge to the anaesthetist because intraoperative and postoperative complications occur more commonly than in those without the disease, and can lead to prolonged hospital stay and increased mortality. This module provides an overview of COPD and discusses implications for the anaesthetic management of patients with the disease.Length of Study: 75 min Difficulty Medium

Oxygen Saturations & Pulse Oximetery

The pulse oximeter provides an indication of oxygen status in the body. However, the link between a pulse oximeter reading and the events occurring in the body can be complex and difficult to evaluate. We all require an understanding of factors associated with oxygen uptake and delivery to be able to use pulse oximetry in a knowledgeable way.Length of Study: 80 min Difficulty: Easy

Laryngospasm in Anaesthesia

Recognition of at-risk patients will help to prevent laryngospasm and avoid potential significant morbidity. This module discusses laryngospasm, its recognition, prevention and treatment.Length of Study: 75 min Difficulty: Easy

Inhalation (gas) Induction

This module covers inhalation or gas induction. Although it is routine to induce general anaesthesia by the intravenous (IV) route, the inhalational route remains an acceptable method and is preferred in certain circumstances.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Medium

When Anaesthetics Go Wrong

This one is a little different. There is no test at the end. The video is the story of Elaine Bromiley who died while under anaesthetic for a routine elective surgical procedure. Viewing this is a must for anyone working in the operating theatre and it is perfect to write up as an example of reflective practice. The PDF is an anonymous version of an Independent Report on the death of Elaine Bromiley.Length of video: 15 minutes

Paediatric Anaesthetic Emergencies: Pt I

Paediatric anaesthetic emergencies can happen faster and leave less time to react then in adults. They present complex, potentially life-threatening situations that everyone engaged in giving paediatric anaesthetic should be aware of and be able to treat.This first article covers laryngospasm and suxamethonium apnoea.Length of Study: 50 min Difficulty: Medium

Predicting difficult airways

Proper airway assessment is essential and takes less than 2 minutes. This can give an indication of a potential difficult airway. This modules covers whats involved and what to look for.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Easy

Burn patients: the anaesthetic considerations of

This group of patients can be challenging with profound hypermetabolism, pain management issues, potential airway problems, etc. These are all covered in this module.Length of Study: 75 minDifficulty: Medium

Rapid Sequence Induction

Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is a method of achieving rapid control of the airway whilst minimising the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents. This module covers RSI, its indications and contraindications.Length of Study: 60 minDifficulty: Easy

Paediatric Trauma

Anatomical and physiological differences in children require special consideration and most seriously injured children have multiple injuries. This module is mainly for those who may be called to A&E resus but the general principles are useful for anyone who works with children.Length of Study: 60 min. Difficulty: Medium

The Difficult Paediatric Airway

There are anatomical and physiological differences between the infant, child and adult that make even the normal paediatric airway difficult for the inexperienced practitioner, particularly in children under one year of age. Good preoperative assessment and preparation is therefore key to success of the management of the difficult airway in children. This article covers this and more.Length of Study: 75 min Difficultly: Difficult

Paediatric Anaesthetic Emergencies: Pt 2

Paediatric anaesthetic emergencies can happen faster and leave less time to react the in adults. They present complex, potentially life-threatening situations that everyone engaged in giving paediatric anaesthetic should be aware of and be able to treat.This second article covers malignant hyperthermia and anaphylaxis.Length of Study 50min Difficulty: Medium

Apnoea & Pre-oxygenation

Pre-oxygenation is used in anaesthesia to prolong the time to desaturation during a period of apnoea, such as frequently happens upon induction. This can also be thought of a denitogenation. This article covers the science behind it and discusses some patient groups that need special attention.Length of Study: 60 min Difficulty: Easy

The effects of anaesthesia on respiratory function.

This tutorial will explain how anaesthesia affects the respiratory system and how these effects can be managed.Length of Study: 60 minutesDifficulty: Medium